Ella Harrison Shines, McKaela Walker Delivers Walk-Off as Auburn Softball Edges Penn State
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Auburn softball wrapped up its weekend in dramatic fashion, riding a dominant outing from sophomore pitcher Ella Harrison and a clutch walk-off sequence to top Penn State, 4-3, at the NFCA Leadoff Classic.
This one had all the ingredients of a gritty early-season test - fatigue, momentum swings, and just enough chaos to keep fans on edge. But when the dust settled, the Tigers walked away with their fourth win of the year, thanks to a resilient team effort and a little late-inning magic.
Harrison’s Command Performance
Let’s start with Ella Harrison, who was the steady hand Auburn needed in the circle. The sophomore went the distance, throwing a complete game and striking out a season-high 11 batters - the eighth double-digit strikeout performance of her career and her first since April 2025.
Harrison (2-0) kept Penn State quiet through the first four innings, scattering five hits and two walks across seven frames. She gave up just two earned runs and worked out of a tense seventh-inning jam with the go-ahead run in scoring position. A pop-up and a pair of groundouts later, and the Tigers had their shot at a walk-off.
“She gave us a chance,” said co-head coach Chris Malveaux. “We were tired, but Ella was incredible. We’ll take a win however we can get it.”
The Walk-Off Sequence
Tied at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Auburn wasted no time applying pressure. Junior Ma’Nia Womack drew a leadoff walk, and senior Destiny Rodriguez followed with a single to put the winning run on second.
Penn State responded with two quick outs, setting the stage for McKaela Walker. Down to a full count, Walker put the ball in play up the middle. It looked like a routine grounder, but an errant throw from the Nittany Lions’ shortstop allowed Walker to reach safely - and more importantly, gave Womack the green light to score the winning run.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. And in softball, sometimes putting the ball in play is all it takes to create chaos.
Offensive Highlights
Auburn’s lineup showed depth and balance throughout the game, with four players turning in multi-hit performances.
- Kylie Shaw stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a run scored. It marked her fourth straight multi-hit game and her first career double.
- Destiny Rodriguez was clutch in the middle of the order, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Her fifth-inning two-bagger off the centerfield wall gave Auburn a 2-1 lead at the time.
- Haven Roebuck, the freshman, continues to impress. She went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored - her third multi-hit game already this season.
- Kylie Brockman added her own 2-for-3 day, including a key RBI single in the sixth that tied the game at 3-3.
How It Unfolded
After a quiet first inning, Auburn struck first in the second. Walker reached on a hit-by-pitch, and Brockman followed with a double to put two runners in scoring position. Redshirt sophomore Kyla Stroud came through with a sac fly to bring home the game’s first run.
Penn State tied it in the fifth, capitalizing on an Auburn throwing error to plate an unearned run. But Rodriguez wasted no time reclaiming the lead for the Tigers in the bottom half with her RBI double.
The Nittany Lions answered again in the sixth, this time with a two-run homer from Natalie Lieto to take a 3-2 lead. But Auburn wasn’t done. Roebuck led off the bottom of the frame with a double, and Brockman’s RBI single tied things up once more.
From there, it was all about Harrison’s poise in the circle and Auburn’s ability to capitalize on a defensive miscue to walk it off.
Tigers Trending Up
This win pushes Auburn to 4-2 on the season and gives them momentum heading into Opening Weekend on the Plains. The Tigers will host the War Eagle Classic from Feb. 12-15, starting with a matchup against Illinois. The opener will also honor the late Mike “Helmet Guy” Cooper - a beloved figure in the Auburn softball community - with commemorative mini-helmets available for fans.
As the Tigers head home, there’s plenty to feel good about. Harrison looks locked in, the bats are producing up and down the lineup, and the team is already showing the kind of resilience that pays dividends in May.
For now, Auburn walks away from Clearwater with a hard-fought win, a statement performance from their ace, and a reminder that this team has the grit to grind out victories - even when the legs are tired and the pressure’s on.